Hear the Songs That Landed Steve Marriner A 2026 JUNO Nomination
Toronto, ON — Two-time JUNO Award winner Steve Marriner adds another milestone to his remarkable career with a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed album Hear My Heart, released via Cordova Bay Records.
The nomination caps an extraordinary run for the album, which reached #1 on the Roots Music Report Canada Album Chart, landed in the Top 10 on CKUA, and was crowned the #1 most-played album of 2025 on The Big Blues Chart (Canada). It marks Marriner’s third solo JUNO recognition from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, following his 2022 nomination for Hope Dies Last.
As co-founder and frontman of MonkeyJunk, Marriner previously won two JUNO Awards for Blues Album of the Year. The band also made history as the first Canadian act to win a Blues Music Award in Memphis, a groundbreaking achievement that firmly placed Canadian blues on the international stage.
With more than two decades of relentless touring and recording, Marriner has built a reputation as one of Canada’s most versatile musicians. Nicknamed “The Swiss Army Knife” for his multi-instrumental prowess, he moves seamlessly between harmonica, guitar, bass, vocals, songwriting, and production. That versatility defines Hear My Heart, where his layered musicianship creates a sound that feels both deeply personal and powerfully expansive.
Beyond his solo career, Marriner’s influence on Canadian blues continues to grow through his production work. He produced Yeah! by David Gogo and This Old Life by Big Dave McLean — both nominated for Blues Album of the Year at the 2025 JUNO Awards. Producing two JUNO-nominated albums in one year while earning his own nomination the following year underscores his central role in shaping the modern Canadian blues landscape.
Marriner has shared stages and studios with legends including Buddy Guy, Randy Bachman, and Colin James, collaborations that reflect his stature as a musician’s musician — equally comfortable supporting others or commanding centre stage. With Ottawa roots and a Toronto base, he remains a driving force in Canada’s blues community.
Hear My Heart showcases an artist at the peak of his powers — honouring blues traditions while pushing forward with grit, authenticity, and emotional depth. The standout single “Straight Line” exemplifies Marriner’s ability to balance technical virtuosity with raw, heartfelt storytelling.
The 2026 JUNO nomination crowns a chapter defined by chart success, critical acclaim, and unwavering dedication to the blues. As he continues to tour, record, and produce, Steve Marriner stands as one of the most compelling and hardworking voices in modern Canadian blues.
Hear My Heart is available now via Cordova Bay Records.
Learn more about Steve Marriner:
For more information and press inquiries, please contact: info@thepathradio.com. Find other Press Releases, here.
